dana bash, cnn, washington. >> a historic second term begins. >> i, barack hussein obama, do solemnly swear. >> so help you god? >> so help me god. >> now the stage is set for a day long party in the nation's capital. we'll take you behind the scenes of the last-minute preparation. for the president's speech, the parade, the balls and the tone being set for the battles ahead. >> i say to you that the challenges we face are real but know this, america. they will be met. >> this is cnn's coverage of the presidential inauguration. from the first salute to the last dance. a divided nation comes together for a celebration of democracy. >> and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. we are and forever will be the united states of america. ♪ >> we are live at the national mall. good evening, everyone. i'm anderson cooper. tomorrow, the lead band leading off the parade is going to be from gramibling state, university, louisiana. tonight, they lead off our coverage. take it away, guys. ♪ ♪ >> we want to welcome our viewers in the united states and around the world